This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the security investment process. It reviews the investment strategy associated with various types of stock orders, discusses the fundamental and technical approaches to common stock analysis, and examines bond and preferred stock pricing mechanisms. It also reviews the unique aspects of derivative security, mutual fund, real estate, and limited partnership investments.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the basic foundations of investment theory so that he/she may make sound investment decisions in his/her business or personal dealings.

There are no prerequisites for this course, however, students should possess average computing, analytical and reading skills.

On the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate a sound framework for making investment decisions in a risk/return context.
• Understand the basic principles of security investment .
• Understand of the functioning of the capital markets.
• Know how to reach financial objectives by means of acquiring and managing a portfolio of securities .

Your course grade is based on the following assignments and associated points and percentages.

Course Grading Scale:

There are eight (8) quizzes and four (4) online proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

Your instructor can be contacted according to the following:

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.